The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a community meeting Dec. 10 to engage Sunnyvale community members in plans to test the indoor air quality in some of the schools and homes in the Duane and San Miguel avenues neighborhood.

The government agency is investigating the potential for vapor intrusion, a process where vapors from groundwater contamination may migrate into the indoor air of nearby buildings.

The EPA reported indoor air sampling has been conducted every year at some school buildings, and results continue to meet EPA requirements; however, the agency recently strengthened its protective levels for trichloroethene (TCE).

“We’re still learning about vapor intrusion in California, and when we did a census review internally in the spring of groundwater sites that could have vapor intrusion, this particular set of sites really jumped out as high priority, given the number of houses and number of schools,” John Lyons, acting assistant director of the Superfund Division Site Cleanup Branch, told The Sun in August.

“Vapor intrusion is one of the highest priorities for the region and division. We are continuing to learn about this problem, and we’re committed to being open and transparent and available to the community and getting sampling done to answer questions that are raised. We want to get it done expeditiously.”

TCE is a type of volatile organic chemical, which can move as vapors from groundwater through soil. If levels are high enough and prolonged enough, it may create a health risk.

There are more than 100 residences and at least four schools within the 100-acre area that spans from E. Arques Avenue to Lakehaven Drive.

The public is invited to attend and learn more about the investigation, as well as meet the EPA staff who will be involved in the sampling.

The meeting will be from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at San Miguel Elementary School, 777 San Miguel Ave.